People with autism face special risks dealing with police. Virtual reality program could help

At the Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, Skylar is learning how to interact with police via Floreo, a virtual reality device. A police officer watches with a clinical research assistant (with the iPad). — The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS

Skylar Armstrong, a 17-year-old high schooler from North Philadelphia, has been fielding a lot of attention from police lately.

Officers on the beat have been peppering him with all sorts of questions: "What are you doing here?" "Can you tell me your street address?" "Can you show me your ID?"